Saturday, April 27, 2013

April Spending Recap

April spending was out of control and I have to admit that there were multiple regrets this month. The biggest two involved shoes. The first was the Lucky Brand flats pictured above (#5) not because of the price, but simply because I bought them in a rush to replace my old Dolce Vita flats (seen here) that I finally chucked. I couldn't find plain black flats and I wanted a simple pair before going on my trip to LA. When I found these at Marshall's two days before I left for $19.99, I didn't really think about the purchase and they turned out to be uncomfortable and sweaty. I meant to wear them most of the day Tuesday and I ended up switching INTO heels in the morning and staying in them most of the day. The second involved a pair of c/o shoes that I will tell you about next week because it's complicated.

I spent the remainder of my Nordstrom gift card this month ($73) on a Michael Stars top and to partially pay for the Rebecca Minkoff crossbody at the Nordstrom Rack in Beverly Hills. I bought a JCrew clutch for my sister-in-law at Buffalo Exchange and used my $22 credit for it. I am also a member of the TJX Rewards Access program and get invited to events at my local TJMaxx and Marshall's stores. Anyone can become a member and you get perks based on your purchases. This month I was invited to an early Saturday event and I won a $25 giftcard to the store while I was there. I used it to buy the BCBGeneration Wedges that I wasn't able to picture here but will wear soon.

The other problem I had was with an eBay seller last month that didn't resolve until the first of April. I often look for jewelry or vintage pieces on eBay and last month, I saw a listing for a jewelry lot of Fossil/Lauren Ralph Lauren/Michael Kors/Kate Spade bracelets, necklaces, and rings. The bidding was fairly low (under $25) and there didn't seem to be a reserve. I used a snipe bid to bid up to $40 because the items all looked fairly current. I ended up winning with a $37 bid, but was immediately contacted by the seller that they meant to place a reserve of $50 and did I still want the jewelry for $50. I replied that no, I wanted the jewelry for my winning bid of $37. They refused to send me the jewelry and I waited 10 days before I reported to eBay that I had not received my item. It wasn't until eBay got involved that they sent me the package minus a couple of rings and a necklace that had originally been pictured. They have since deleted the auction and didn't leave me feedback, but it was very disappointing to have to deal with that.

So...yea... my budget blew up this month...I feel pretty confident going into May, but my sister is visiting me at the end of next week and we have a formal charity function next week as well. Hopefully I can contain myself for both me and my husband's sanity.

I've used eBay for years and I've had a few problems with counterfeit merchandise or items arriving not as described, but I've been fortunate to always be able to resolve all issues through eBay. Overall, I love eBay.

that ebay story! what the what. that is so rude! sorry you didn't list it correctly, gimme my stuff! that's just bad business practice.

I think my favorites this month are those j.crew shorts and the cross body (you know I love a good crossbody!). bummed that the lucky shoes didn't work out though because I think I've seen them in stores and always liked their minimalist look :(

Thanks, Fran! I was really bummed about the eBay thing, too and I have to admit that it dampened my usual enthusiasm about eBay finds. Texas is really HOT in the summer and I started a nice little collection of patterned shorts last year. I love these JCrew shorts and I was happily surprised to see that the JCrew in Beverly Hills still had these in my huge size a year after they sold out everywhere else!

I'm sorry about your eBay troubles! I have never had any problems using eBay, but I still proceed with caution - you never know! Ugh. Anyway, those patterned shorts from JCrew look so cute! Bummer about your budget, but hopefully you can make up for it in the next couple of months!

I WAS super pissed! Their freakin' auction was up for over 2 weeks and they didn't notice that there wasn't a reserve? And then there was stuff missing when it finally arrived, but I was so over it that I didn't care. I know I've seen both the bracelets and each individual necklace on sale for close to $30 a piece, so I will just deal. In the grand scheme of things, it's no big deal, just annoying.

ok maam...we've got to get you back on track with your spending plan. for your charity event, go through your closet and see what you can find to make "new" again. when your sister visits - tell her that you have a blogging buddy holding you accountable! :)

Great ideas! I borrowed a dress from a friend, we actually call it "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Sequin Dress" now because three different people have worn it now! And yes, my sister and I were so busy that we didn't even have time to shop!

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